"Okay...I should be ready in about 15 minutes." She leaves thinking, Lets see my hair and make up are done...I will put that outfit over the other one so after dinner I can take off that one when I get to that...special bar...by the goddess it has been too long...
"So..." Triel starts in between sips of her tea. "...I trust there's no hard feelings between the two of you now? It'll be a bit awkward when we're out for dinner otherwise."
Vulpina taps a hand on the table beside her chair as she considers. ”Well, it does put me in an... interesting position, if I am honest. I am a Lady with little to prove her title, and my funds are... largely strung up, at the moment. Finding a suitable replacement maid will be difficult, and as I’m sure you know her abilities as a bodyguard are indispensable.”
Worse, Cassandra knows who I am. I can likely count on her silence... except to her future mistress.
"So, you're making sure I'm picking up the tab for this evening, is that it?" Triel replies with a smirk.
"I agree--Miss Cassandra is a remarkably talented person."
Vulpina chuckles, waving her hand. ”Oh, no—a Lady pays her own way, after all. It’s more daily wages of two servants that are likely to be an obstacle,” she explains.
Triel nods, then finishes draining her cup.
"Yes, wages are always a concern. Although I've never needed to employ servants for most tasks before--for something as mundane as laundry or dishes, a quick application of prestidigitation is more than sufficient for the job."
"All you really need to do is cast it frequently."
Vulpina does not think to offer a refill; that’s usually Cassandra’s job, after all. ”I have considered dabbling... but I lack the talent, I’m afraid, and have not the time a wizard must devote to learning. At least, not if I want to continue reading a certain drow’s work.”
She ponders a moment. ”I suppose I could always see about moving into the office, but that would be... unbecoming, for a woman of my station. Worse, it would leave me susceptible to being granted property in return for my influence in some duke’s favor.” She makes a face of disapproval, then sighs. ”I suppose there will be time to consider one’s options.”
"Ah, yes. The 'Grand Game'." Triel nods. "Or, so it's called back home."
"I've often heard it said that the only winning move is to not play at all. Personally, I feel that's a little pessimistic."
"That being said..." Triel looks like she's about to say something else, but she shakes her head and stands up. "...well, it can wait until dinner."
"Miss Cassandra? Are you ready?"
"I am ready." Cassandra says coming into the room. She is wearing a nice conservative type dress...Though when she moves you can hear the faint creak of leather...
Vulpina offers a smile. ”I’ve no interest in playing a game. Where I come from, it is simple: you have your title and your lands, and you are expected to maintain both.”
At Cassandra’s reappearance, Vulpina takes to her feet. ”Are we all set to go, then?”
"I do believe we are."
Triel leads the way out of the manor.